Nirzeg glances over the where Nirzeg#2 got squashed and giggles. "Okay, best hurry on now."He says cheerily. Meanwhile, Wickerman lines of a wicked burning loogie for the currently blinded Troll body.
Wickerman Fire Spittle Attack: 22 Damage: 8 of fire.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Genevieve will be dashing for her turn to try and catch up with Astra.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Neither of the troll attacks find purchase(not that it could with Wickerman attacking 30ft from the air), but Nirzeg is knocked momentarily on his bottom by a boulder clipping him hard. Scowling now, the Githyanki wiped some muck of his face and said, "Leave it, Wicker. It'll serve messenger enough." He then steps back and winks out of existence. Appearing all but silently some thirty feet from the debacle, and dashing for good measure with his prize in tow.
Wickerman is a way's behind. But between the aerial advantage, a blind troll, and Zeek doing the heroic thing of landing on the giant's nose, he makes a swift enough retreat.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Thank the gods that we managed to get out of there. Trolls themselves are bad enough, no need for them to be weird ones with extra arms and legs or a fire giant boss with them." Astra gently places her hand on Genevieve and a light briefly shines as the Warforged is healed for six points. "I wish that I could give you more, but I hope that it helps."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
"We all need some rest. That was...a lot..." Alus sips a frosty cold mug of bean stew. "I just hope Big Red doesn't come marching down here now that we've riled him up..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Unlikely."Nirzeg comments, though kept an eye on the horizon. Zeek too was on watch outside, and kept on near constant patrol. But a weakened Wickerman stayed plastered on its master's shoulder, breathing hard after so much flying around. "But not impossible. Trolls are difficult enough to tame I imagine. And with two of them less than salvageable, finding replacements will take time."
Nirzeg frowns. "Though, this does beg the question of /if/ this town has yet another of their buried artifacts. If so, certainly worth questioning them about, as the only tactical reason for an attack would be to secure this locale for themselves -- the fire giants, I mean. From there, they can work on further making communication and trade along this route between us smallfolks settlement difficult." He shrugs. "But that's all speculation, and I have no further time for such. One of you should see to the report of our findings. /I/, regrettably, need to get back to my research now that we've secured more samples.... Thank you, by the way, Atlas. Know.... Can't believe I'm saying this, but in the interest of fairness.... Know that I do /owe/ you one favor."He would say, taking the Vulkurite sample up.
He twitches in pain from the attempt. But once secured, he turns his cell stimulator on himself for some immediate relief. And if there was no more, he'd find a room to get right to experimenting.
Casting Cure Wounds at Level 3 on Self for 11 HP regained.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Derrikoth makes his best attempt at a bow, despite being battered, "M'lady, we found a group of trolls under the command of a fire giant in the Evermoors. Although we slayed some of them, we were forced to make a retreat when their master appeared. The giant himself doesn't appear inclined to venture outside of the swamp, but you should be alert for any trolls he may send out hunting. I don't suppose there's anywhere near here you all could seek refuge, in case the giant does decide to take matters in his own hands?"
"Uh...also...the Fire Giants in Triboar--they were trying to dig something up. A big hunk of precious metal. If you know of anything similar buried here, or maybe that you've already dug up and are holding on to...that could end up putting a gnarly target on your back. Anything like that ring any bells for you?"
Tamalin nods as you explain, committing all this to memory. “Fire giants!? Thank you for the details. I don’t know about any precious metal from the ground, but I’ll certainly keep my eyes open. I’d imagine that we would just want to get out of the fire giant’s way if that were to happen...but so far, the only thing the trolls have been interested in is meat.”
She then takes a scroll from her belt, explaining that she had it written up for you. It can win you a powerful friend in Everlund if you show it to the half-orc innkeeper at Danivarr’s House, or it can be given to a member of the Hand of Yartar in exchange for a special favor.
After presenting it, Tamalin asks to be excused. “Must get my militia together and work up a plan for if, and when, giants come stomping through Calling Horns. If I don’t see you before you leave, take care on the road.”
From an outsider's perspective, a strange, flowery smelling, green smoke can be seen drifting out the windows roughly a few minutes after Nirzeg's arrival. A sign hangs outside the door as well stating 'Do not disturb, Inventor at Work'. Aside from the smoke, the occasional cough, and the clinking of glass against glass, all is fairly quiet from the room. Within, and in nothing but a fundoshi, smock, goggles, and a toolkit belt, Nirzeg stares over a pot of liquid, glowing multiple different colors every few seconds. Occasionally a great, stick of some kind sets the contents spinning again, revealing in brief chunks to be the half-melted remains of a troll limb, still twitching before it sinks beneath the broth.
Across the ways Smart Zeek watches a far more complicated system of tubes, pipes, beakers, and so forth on an adjacent desk turn the broken down run-off of several troll fingers mixed with other solutions into a separate vial. All the while very tired Wickerman busts his little butt adjusting the heat or keeping any currently unused parts from suddenly sprouting more trolls.
"Heheh... yea, boi... it's all coming together now.. Soon, SOON, my little wickerman, it'll be dip, dip time in the solution for you~ Or perhaps drink. Or maybe a combination of both! Haven't quite decided which would be more effective at this point."A wide-eye, and totally Inspired Salve up Nirzeg says, finally breaking eye contact on the brew long enough to deliver a mad smile to the worried servant...
(@all: Rollers in discord. After correction for tool useage, total comes up to 31.)
Experimenting with the troll’s severed armyields interesting results.
The viscous, grayish-green concoction that is created by dissolving the flesh and blood of the troll seems to be remarkably cohesive, almost as if it desires to stay together. You can dip a spoon into it, but attempting to take a spoonful of the stuff will result in the concoction sliding off the spoon as you attempt to remove it. It is liquid until you attempt to sample it or spill it, at which point it resister separation by rapidly increasing Its viscosity.
Upon contact with Wickerman, you notice that the concoction turns black and quickly dissolved into flaky ash.
Eventually, you are able to distill the fluid down into a pungent, rubbery ointment that will instantly heal an injury (2d8+2 hp) and should also aid in reattaching lost limbs or fingers. You currently have enough ointment for two small applications, but you are quite certain you could replicate the effect if you had more troll parts. You are unsure of the effects of drinking the poultice, but it’s clear that it doesn’t react favorably with Wickerman’s inherent, fiery nature.
The Next Morning
The morning comes early, and you feel the aches and pains from yesterday have dulled somewhat. Nhek, the large, bearded tankardtender, has made a lovely cheese and bread breakfast with little sprigs of celery.
The open road lies before you, and your next stop is Noaner’s Hold. A couple hours off the Evermoor Way, it is nevertheless on your itinerary for delivery (and indeed why you were paid up front and given the horse & cart by Narth Tezrin in Triboar). Your notes from Yartar’s Waterbaron detail a path that cuts through the countryside and leads to Noaner’s Hold, and although the tiny hamlet isn’t on the route, it only adds an hour or two to your overall journey.
Make the short detour for the delivery in Noaner’s Hold? Or bypass it, keep the leather harnesses that Othovir crafted, and continue to Everlund?
The bypass road is even bumpier that the dirt-and-stone Evermoor Way, but the way cuts by some ruins of an ancient stone castle en route to Noanar's Hold. What's curious is that these stone ruins seem to have been rearranged. There are impressions in the ground, deep divots where ancient stones have been recently pulled up and relocated. Almost every stone that belongs to the ruined castle now sits in several stacks by the roadside, with some stacks as tall as 20 feet. The stones are stacked in pleasing ways, almost like a pattern, but more "natural" looking—as if they were part of a giant piece of artwork.
You see no sign of who, or what, is responsible for these stone piles.
Another rock finds its way towards (1: Alus, or 2: Nirzeg—roll: 2) as the hungry fire giant plods forward towards his prey.
Another Big Rock Attack: 18 Damage: 36
The troll that Alus decapitated begins to rise 30 feet away from Alus and Nirzeg, and seems to be groping around for its head.
// Alus and Nirzeg are able to use their actions this round to complete the limb harvesting. Besides that, what are you all doing? //
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
(If Nirzeg is sending Wickerman over to kill the troll, go ahead with the attack roll!)
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Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Nirzeg glances over the where Nirzeg#2 got squashed and giggles. "Okay, best hurry on now." He says cheerily. Meanwhile, Wickerman lines of a wicked burning loogie for the currently blinded Troll body.
Wickerman Fire Spittle Attack: 22 Damage: 8 of fire.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Can Wickerman burn the other one while we run!?" Alus will run in the direction his friends ran.
BONUS ACTION: Shield of faith on himself just in case the giant gets off another boulder before they're out of range.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Genevieve will be dashing for her turn to try and catch up with Astra.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
The troll lashed out in the direction of the fire damage. Its head lay nearby on the ground, snarling breathlessly.
Claw Attack at Wickerman: 8 Damage: 10
Claw Attack 2: 10 Damage: 15
The giant launches a third rock towards Nirzeg, incensed that he seems to have somehow missed his mark.
Throwing a rock: 23 Damage: 28
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Neither of the troll attacks find purchase(not that it could with Wickerman attacking 30ft from the air), but Nirzeg is knocked momentarily on his bottom by a boulder clipping him hard. Scowling now, the Githyanki wiped some muck of his face and said, "Leave it, Wicker. It'll serve messenger enough." He then steps back and winks out of existence. Appearing all but silently some thirty feet from the debacle, and dashing for good measure with his prize in tow.
Wickerman is a way's behind. But between the aerial advantage, a blind troll, and Zeek doing the heroic thing of landing on the giant's nose, he makes a swift enough retreat.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
With the fire giant either unable to keep pace or unwilling to give chase, you leave the scene with a fair amount of bruises and scrapes.
With Calling Horns only about an hour away, the journey down the valley contains no more perils.
The Calling Horns Inn is a welcome sight.
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Thank the gods that we managed to get out of there. Trolls themselves are bad enough, no need for them to be weird ones with extra arms and legs or a fire giant boss with them." Astra gently places her hand on Genevieve and a light briefly shines as the Warforged is healed for six points. "I wish that I could give you more, but I hope that it helps."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"We all need some rest. That was...a lot..." Alus sips a frosty cold mug of bean stew. "I just hope Big Red doesn't come marching down here now that we've riled him up..."
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
"Unlikely." Nirzeg comments, though kept an eye on the horizon. Zeek too was on watch outside, and kept on near constant patrol. But a weakened Wickerman stayed plastered on its master's shoulder, breathing hard after so much flying around. "But not impossible. Trolls are difficult enough to tame I imagine. And with two of them less than salvageable, finding replacements will take time."
Nirzeg frowns. "Though, this does beg the question of /if/ this town has yet another of their buried artifacts. If so, certainly worth questioning them about, as the only tactical reason for an attack would be to secure this locale for themselves -- the fire giants, I mean. From there, they can work on further making communication and trade along this route between us smallfolks settlement difficult." He shrugs. "But that's all speculation, and I have no further time for such. One of you should see to the report of our findings. /I/, regrettably, need to get back to my research now that we've secured more samples.... Thank you, by the way, Atlas. Know.... Can't believe I'm saying this, but in the interest of fairness.... Know that I do /owe/ you one favor." He would say, taking the Vulkurite sample up.
He twitches in pain from the attempt. But once secured, he turns his cell stimulator on himself for some immediate relief. And if there was no more, he'd find a room to get right to experimenting.
Casting Cure Wounds at Level 3 on Self for 11 HP regained.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Shortly after you return, Tamalin Zoar comes looking for a report. She has a look of mild concern on her face.
// Do you wish to tell her what happened, no embellishments or subtractions? Just let me know if there’s anything you leave out or add in... //
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Alus has no intention of being anything other than honest.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Derrikoth makes his best attempt at a bow, despite being battered, "M'lady, we found a group of trolls under the command of a fire giant in the Evermoors. Although we slayed some of them, we were forced to make a retreat when their master appeared. The giant himself doesn't appear inclined to venture outside of the swamp, but you should be alert for any trolls he may send out hunting. I don't suppose there's anywhere near here you all could seek refuge, in case the giant does decide to take matters in his own hands?"
"Uh...also...the Fire Giants in Triboar--they were trying to dig something up. A big hunk of precious metal. If you know of anything similar buried here, or maybe that you've already dug up and are holding on to...that could end up putting a gnarly target on your back. Anything like that ring any bells for you?"
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Tamalin nods as you explain, committing all this to memory. “Fire giants!? Thank you for the details. I don’t know about any precious metal from the ground, but I’ll certainly keep my eyes open. I’d imagine that we would just want to get out of the fire giant’s way if that were to happen...but so far, the only thing the trolls have been interested in is meat.”
She then takes a scroll from her belt, explaining that she had it written up for you. It can win you a powerful friend in Everlund if you show it to the half-orc innkeeper at Danivarr’s House, or it can be given to a member of the Hand of Yartar in exchange for a special favor.
After presenting it, Tamalin asks to be excused. “Must get my militia together and work up a plan for if, and when, giants come stomping through Calling Horns. If I don’t see you before you leave, take care on the road.”
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Meanwhile, back in Nirzeg's room...
From an outsider's perspective, a strange, flowery smelling, green smoke can be seen drifting out the windows roughly a few minutes after Nirzeg's arrival. A sign hangs outside the door as well stating 'Do not disturb, Inventor at Work'. Aside from the smoke, the occasional cough, and the clinking of glass against glass, all is fairly quiet from the room. Within, and in nothing but a fundoshi, smock, goggles, and a toolkit belt, Nirzeg stares over a pot of liquid, glowing multiple different colors every few seconds. Occasionally a great, stick of some kind sets the contents spinning again, revealing in brief chunks to be the half-melted remains of a troll limb, still twitching before it sinks beneath the broth.
Across the ways Smart Zeek watches a far more complicated system of tubes, pipes, beakers, and so forth on an adjacent desk turn the broken down run-off of several troll fingers mixed with other solutions into a separate vial. All the while very tired Wickerman busts his little butt adjusting the heat or keeping any currently unused parts from suddenly sprouting more trolls.
"Heheh... yea, boi... it's all coming together now.. Soon, SOON, my little wickerman, it'll be dip, dip time in the solution for you~ Or perhaps drink. Or maybe a combination of both! Haven't quite decided which would be more effective at this point." A wide-eye, and totally Inspired Salve up Nirzeg says, finally breaking eye contact on the brew long enough to deliver a mad smile to the worried servant...
(@all: Rollers in discord. After correction for tool useage, total comes up to 31.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Nirzeg:
Experimenting with the troll’s severed arm yields interesting results.
The viscous, grayish-green concoction that is created by dissolving the flesh and blood of the troll seems to be remarkably cohesive, almost as if it desires to stay together. You can dip a spoon into it, but attempting to take a spoonful of the stuff will result in the concoction sliding off the spoon as you attempt to remove it. It is liquid until you attempt to sample it or spill it, at which point it resister separation by rapidly increasing Its viscosity.
Upon contact with Wickerman, you notice that the concoction turns black and quickly dissolved into flaky ash.
Eventually, you are able to distill the fluid down into a pungent, rubbery ointment that will instantly heal an injury (2d8+2 hp) and should also aid in reattaching lost limbs or fingers. You currently have enough ointment for two small applications, but you are quite certain you could replicate the effect if you had more troll parts. You are unsure of the effects of drinking the poultice, but it’s clear that it doesn’t react favorably with Wickerman’s inherent, fiery nature.
The Next Morning
The morning comes early, and you feel the aches and pains from yesterday have dulled somewhat. Nhek, the large, bearded tankardtender, has made a lovely cheese and bread breakfast with little sprigs of celery.
The open road lies before you, and your next stop is Noaner’s Hold. A couple hours off the Evermoor Way, it is nevertheless on your itinerary for delivery (and indeed why you were paid up front and given the horse & cart by Narth Tezrin in Triboar). Your notes from Yartar’s Waterbaron detail a path that cuts through the countryside and leads to Noaner’s Hold, and although the tiny hamlet isn’t on the route, it only adds an hour or two to your overall journey.
Make the short detour for the delivery in Noaner’s Hold? Or bypass it, keep the leather harnesses that Othovir crafted, and continue to Everlund?
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
To Noaner's Hold!
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
The bypass road is even bumpier that the dirt-and-stone Evermoor Way, but the way cuts by some ruins of an ancient stone castle en route to Noanar's Hold. What's curious is that these stone ruins seem to have been rearranged. There are impressions in the ground, deep divots where ancient stones have been recently pulled up and relocated. Almost every stone that belongs to the ruined castle now sits in several stacks by the roadside, with some stacks as tall as 20 feet. The stones are stacked in pleasing ways, almost like a pattern, but more "natural" looking—as if they were part of a giant piece of artwork.
You see no sign of who, or what, is responsible for these stone piles.
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM